Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Cahill.
Hi Devon, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
I started at age 6, performing as Gretl in The Sound of Music on the historical landmark The Goldenrod Showboat. I was so lucky during my childhood to have a love of theatre and art instilled in me by my parents, a musician and an actress. I did musical theatre throughout my early days and transitioned to writing and creating my music in my mid-twenties. I picked up the ukulele in 2012 and guitar shortly after that, so I didn’t learn how to play an instrument until I was an adult. I started a duo project called Letter to Memphis that eventually became a full band that played all over St. Louis and won Best Folk Band from the Riverfront Times two years ago. We were so fortunate to play at venues like Off-Broadway, The Sheldon Concert Hall, and Joe’s Cafe, venues that truly encapsulate and uplift St. Louis music. In 2013 I got the opportunity to sing with two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, collaborating with The Angel Band Project. This organization provides music therapy to survivors of sexual violence. In 2016 LTM dissolved, and I went out on my own, releasing my first solo album entitled “When I Wake” in 2018. In 2019 I formed a new band, The Bronx Cheers, a more folk-rock band than the rootsier Letter to Memphis. The last few years have held many unknowns, but I know this: I love music and writing music more than anything. I did my best to stay active during the pandemic, doing live streams and socially distanced porch concerts. I’m so thankful to be able to start seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I can’t wait to get back into the studio with my band. In the meantime, I’m playing all over St. Louis this summer. I missed it and need to make up for a lost time!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It was tough regaining my footing as a musician after my first band broke up. When hard times fall, I will say I always have music. And I’m so grateful for that. I wrote many songs on my own after that and learned to be a better guitar player (speaking of struggles, learning guitar as an adult was one of them!). Being an original musician is not easy; many people want to hear what they’ve heard before, but I have to continue to play what’s in my heart and still do my best to entertain diverse audiences.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been singing since before I could talk, and I am happiest when singing. I love writing and performing my music and being myself for an audience. I mostly describe my music as indie folk, but it’s more folk-rock with my band, The Bronx Cheers. I love collaborating, and I’m also a member of The Defeated County, a round led by my best friend, Langen Neubacher. Over the years, I’ve gotten the opportunity to sit in or record with artists such as Roland Johnson, Kid Scientist, Obviously Offbeat, Justin Johnson (Pretty Little Empire), etc. In 2016 I sang the National anthem at the Dome for two different events (so nerve-wracking!) and performed at a TedX talk event. I think I’m most proud that I’m an original songwriter. I’m also proud of keeping one foot in front of the other during this pandemic and adapting so that I could continue to play for others but in a safe and distanced way. It was hard, but we made it through it!
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
My best advice for those starting as original musicians would be never to stop moving and keep putting yourself out there. Someone will catch on if your heart is in it. I promise.
Contact Info:
- Email: Devon.cahill@gmail.com
- Website: Devoncahill.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: @devoncahillmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Devoncahillmusic/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/vivoga
Image Credits
Matt Klose Bailey Elizabeth Rogers AO Photography
